PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is reporting a higher-than-usual number of flea-borne typhus (typhus) cases so far this year, along with a localized outbreak, compared to other years.

Typhus is a bacterial disease spread to people by infected fleas typically carried by rats, opossums, community cats and other animals. Typhus is not spread from person to person. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, body aches/pain and rash. Typhus is treatable with antibiotics. People who think they may have typhus should talk to a healthcare provider about testing and treatment.

As of July 31, 2025, 20 cases have been reported in the City, compared to 12 cases during the same period in 2024. On average, 20 cases get reported each year and if this trend continues, Long Beach is expected to surpass its 2021 record of 28 cases reported in a single year. 75% of cases in 2025 were hospitalized and all have recovered.

While Typhus can occur throughout the year, the majority of the cases occur in the summer and fall months. The increased observation in recent months highlights the importance of community awareness and prevention. To help prevent typhus infection, Long Beach residents are urged to: 

• Keep pets indoors and treat them regularly for flea control medication.
• Avoid feeding or interacting with wild animals (such as rats, opossums or cats).
• Clear overgrown vegetation and clutter around homes.
• Cover trash bins and remove outdoor food sources.
• Seal openings and crawl spaces under homes.
• Report dead animals to Animal Care Services at 562.570.7387.

The Health Department is actively monitoring the situation through disease surveillance, case investigation and working with local healthcare providers. The Vector Control Program also provides assessments and education to affected neighborhoods to mitigate the spread. Community education efforts are also being expanded to help residents understand the risks and how to protect themselves.

For more information, visit longbeach.gov/typhus or reach out to lbepi@longbeach.gov. People are also encouraged to follow the Health Department on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer A. Gonzalez, Acting Public Information Officer, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.570.4290 or HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.